Adil Raza Khan | March 29, 2025
One of the most common questions from expats and non-residents is if they can buy property in Dubai. And the answer is yes, absolutely. Generally, Dubai has opened its doors to foreign investors and has implemented regulations that attract global investments. Understandably, these investment opportunities for foreigners are also met with certain conditions.
Let’s dive into the details.
In Dubai, foreigners and expatriate residents are allowed to purchase and have rights in areas known as freehold zones.
In essence, there are two ownership rights in Dubai, freehold and leasehold.
Consequently, most foreign investors opt for freehold ownership rights, while some prefer short-term leasehold ownership. Additionally, there is no age limit for owning a property in Dubai for foreigners.
Freehold areas and leasehold areas are the main choices where foreigners buy property in Dubai. To add, the type of properties that you buy will reflect on your investment goals. Let’s take a look at the two main options.
Freehold property in Dubai for foreigners is the most popular choice because they offer 100% ownership of both the property and the land it’s built on. As the owner, you can lease, sell, or modify the property as you please. Accordingly, these freehold areas are designated by the Dubai Land Department. Some of the most sought-after Dubai freehold areas are:
Freehold zones are typically located in well-connected areas close to essential destinations.
If you’re buying a property in Dubai but are not looking for full ownership, the leasehold properties are a good option. In contrast to freehold properties, you do not own the property or land in a leasehold area. However, you are entitled to use and benefit from it for up to 99 years. After which, the ownership will revert back to the freehold owner. Additionally, you will not be able to change or remodel the property without permission from the freeholder.
Popular leasehold zones where foreigners buy property in Dubai include:
Yes. Foreigners can buy commercial properties in Dubai, whether that be office spaces, retail units, industry facilities, and more. Similarly, commercial properties in Dubai are also categorized between freezone areas and leasehold areas. The freezone areas like Business Bay and Jebel Ali grant foreigners full ownership rights for commercial properties. Meanwhile, leasehold zones such as Dubai Investment Park and Dubai Industrial City only permit limited rights on commercial properties for up to 99 years.
Buying properties through mortgages is not only for Emiratis because foreigners can buy properties in Dubai through mortgages. However, there are several general conditions you need to know before applying for a mortgage.
Some banks only give mortgages from their list of approved projects and developers.
In essence, foreigners can buy properties in Dubai and have two types of ownership options. Freehold and leasehold have their own benefits and considerations that you need to take into account. Additionally, you can even invest in residential or commercial properties and apply for a mortgage. Since its implementation of new rules in 2002, Dubai has opened up a more welcoming real estate market for non-UAE nationals. The city is bound for more changes and more advantageous property laws for foreigners. Hence, now is a great time for foreigners to buy property in Dubai. Plus, with a reliable partner like APIL Properties, you can ensure a simple and trusty process.
Foreigners can buy properties in freehold or freezone areas and leasehold areas. Depending on your investment goal, you can opt for full ownership rights or a limited ownership option.
Yes. Foreigners can buy properties for business purposes.
Yes. Foreigners can have up to an 80% mortgage to buy property in Dubai. Additionally, there are certain conditions that investors have to meet before getting a mortgage. This includes age limit, monthly income, specific developers and projects, and the country of origin.
With more property owners wanting to profit from growing demand and capital appreciation, Dubai's real estate market in 2025 shows continued great momentum. Driven by personal relocation, investment profit, or shifting market conditions, selling property in Dubai is now more accessible than ever, provided you know the correct protocols and legal processes.
From expansive villas in JGE The Next Chapter to luxury apartments in Bahria Town Dubai, the market and selling techniques vary. Whether residential or commercial, every form of property needs a different strategy if you want to sell a property in Dubai.
Including off-plan, mortgaged, residential, and commercial properties, this blog provides a thorough guide for homeowners, investors, and business owners wishing to know how to sell a property in Dubai.
A house loan is a great choice to ease the budgetary tension that would otherwise feel like a burden if one pays the entire amount out of one’s pocket. The monthly payment obligations indicate one’s eligibility for the loan.
It is helpful to keep an idea regarding the approximate estimation of the monthly mortgage payment for a home loan before applying for it. It is good to know beforehand if the installments will create financial stress going forward.
Mortgage Loan Calculators are smart tools that help prospective mortgage seekers have a better idea of their situations beforehand.
In 2024, the secondary real estate market in Dubai made headlines, scoring 61,100 transactions valued at AED 188.1 billion. 1,300% rise in the past 5-year period!
Dubai is a mega real estate investment city across the world. Selling a property in Dubai should be an easy affair, fetching a lump sum return on your investment.
The resale values prove that buyers and investors globally not only have their eyes on the latest off-plan launches by renowned developers. But, ready-to-move-in properties also from secondary markets hold their primary interest increasingly.
If you are someone who wishes to sell your property in Dubai and is doing some research to stay informed correctly, you have clicked the right blog. It presents precisely all vital pieces of information regarding the topic.
